Paul Whelan: US marine held on spying charges claims he was injured in Russian jail

A former US marine who was arrested on charges of spying in Russia claims to have been “injured” in prison by the guards detaining him while he awaits trial.

Speaking to journalists during a court appearance in Moscow, Paul Whelan said: "I was injured in the prison... the prison doesn't want to tell you."

He added: "I am standing here in great pain due to an injury sustained in the prison by the prison guards."

Mr Whelan, who holds four passports - including a British one - is being held on accusations that he had received Russian state secrets.

He insists that he was framed, and that the USB drive he took from an acquaintance was meant to contain holiday photos, not state secrets. The Whelan family also claims that he was in Moscow for a friend's wedding.

During his court visit, Mr Whelan requested hospital treatment. After he was evaluated by medics, the judge deemed that hospital care was not necessary.

Mr Whelan had previously pleaded to Donald Trump for his freedom, saying: "Mr President -- we cannot keep America great unless we aggressively protect and defend citizens wherever they are in the world.”